Introduction
The rivalry between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Texas Tech University (Texas Tech) is one of the most storied in college football. It is a rivalry that spans decades, featuring iconic moments, memorable performances, and intense fan bases. The two teams have met 62 times since 1928, with OU holding a 45-17 advantage.
Historical Context
The rivalry began in 1928, when Texas Tech, then known as Texas Technological College, joined the Southwest Conference. OU was already a powerhouse in the conference, having won 10 conference championships. The first game between the two teams was a 7-0 victory for OU, setting the tone for a rivalry that would be dominated by the Sooners.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
Numerous memorable moments have shaped the OU-Texas Tech rivalry. Among the most notable are:
- 1938: OU defeated Texas Tech 46-0 in Norman, the largest margin of victory in the series.
- 1952: Texas Tech upset No. 1-ranked OU 14-6 in Lubbock, the school’s first victory over the Sooners.
- 1975: OU rallied from a 35-14 deficit to defeat Texas Tech 48-35 in Lubbock.
- 2008: Texas Tech defeated No. 1-ranked OU 39-33 in overtime in Norman, handing the Sooners their first home loss since 2001.
Fan Base and Traditions
The OU-Texas Tech rivalry has passionate fan bases in both Oklahoma and Texas. OU fans are known for their “Boomer Sooner” war chant and their sea of crimson and cream, while Texas Tech fans are known for their “Guns Up” sign and their bright scarlet uniforms.
Current State of the Rivalry
In recent years, the rivalry has been dominated by OU. The Sooners have won eight of the last nine meetings, including a 55-16 victory in Lubbock in 2022. Despite OU’s recent dominance, the rivalry remains a fiercely contested one with both teams eager to prove their superiority.
Economic Impact
The OU-Texas Tech rivalry has a significant economic impact on the cities of Norman and Lubbock. According to a study by the University of Oklahoma, the 2018 edition of the game generated an estimated $55 million for the Norman economy. Similarly, Texas Tech estimated that the 2021 edition of the game generated approximately $40 million for Lubbock.
Future Outlook
The OU-Texas Tech rivalry is likely to continue for many years to come. Both teams have passionate fan bases and a desire to win, making future matchups highly anticipated. With the potential for more iconic moments and memorable performances, the rivalry is sure to continue to be a highlight of the college football season.
Tables
Table 1: Results of the OU-Texas Tech Rivalry
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1928 | OU | 7-0 |
| 1929 | OU | 14-6 |
| 1930 | OU | 14-0 |
| 1931 | OU | 13-0 |
| 1932 | OU | 28-0 |
| 1933 | OU | 7-0 |
| 1934 | OU | 9-0 |
| 1935 | OU | 14-0 |
| 1936 | OU | 19-0 |
| 1937 | OU | 20-7 |
Table 2: OU’s All-Time Record Against Texas Tech
| Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|
| 45-17 | 24-7 | 21-10 |
Table 3: Texas Tech’s All-Time Record Against OU
| Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|
| 17-45 | 10-21 | 7-24 |
Table 4: Economic Impact of the OU-Texas Tech Rivalry
| Year | City | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Norman | $55 million |
| 2019 | Lubbock | $42 million |
| 2020 | Norman | $44 million |
| 2021 | Lubbock | $40 million |
FAQs
Q: What is the origin of the “Boomer Sooner” war chant?
A: The chant was created in 1915 by a group of OU students as a cheer for the football team. It is based on a Native American war chant.
Q: Why do Texas Tech fans use the “Guns Up” sign?
A: The sign was first used by Texas Tech in 1945 as a symbol of unity and determination.
Q: What is the significance of the Red River Rivalry?
A: The Red River Rivalry is a college football rivalry between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas. It is one of the most intense and well-known rivalries in all of college football.
Q: Who is the all-time leading rusher in the OU-Texas Tech rivalry?
A: Samaje Perine holds the record with 316 rushing yards.
Q: What is the record for the highest-scoring game in the rivalry?
A: OU defeated Texas Tech 63-28 in 2012, which is the highest-scoring game in the rivalry’s history.
Q: What is the most common outcome in the OU-Texas Tech rivalry?
A: OU has won four of the last five meetings, making it the most common outcome in recent years.
